The United Kingdom has been urged to adopt a four-day working week after international research linked extended work hours to rising obesity levels. The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, analyzed working patterns and obesity prevalence across 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022.
Study Findings
The research revealed that nations with longer annual working hours, such as the United States, Mexico, and Colombia, also exhibited higher obesity rates. A 1% reduction in annual working hours was associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity prevalence. Dr. Pradeepa Korale-Gedara from the University of Queensland, Australia, stated: “When people have a more balanced life, they have a better life. They have less stress, they can focus on more nutritious food and engage in more physical activities.”
Calls for Change
James Reeves, campaign manager at the 4 Day Week Foundation, emphasized: “A four-day week on full pay could slash Britain’s obesity levels by giving millions the time they need to ditch bad habits and make healthier choices. It’s essential that local and national governments seriously consider the role that a shorter working week can play in improving the health of our communities. The nine-to-five, five-day working week is 100 years old and we’re long overdue an update.”
Dr. Rita Fontinha, a psychologist at the University of Reading, added: “If you work two jobs or long hours, you simply do not have the energy to cook and it becomes easier to just buy something packaged or processed. A four-day week or different forms of working-time reduction could be associated with better choices in terms of food, exercise and sleep to contribute to healthier societies.”
Government Response
A Labour Party government spokesperson responded: “This government will not mandate a four-day work week for five days’ pay. But through the Employment Rights Act, we’re making it easier for flexible working requests to be accepted.”
